16 November 2009 - Botswana is to add 250 MW of much needed capacity to its power grid via two integrated gas and coal bed methane power plants.

In his most recent State-of-the-Nation address, President Seretse Khama Ian Khama said the project involved the development of an integrated 250 MW open-cycle gas turbine and coal bed methane power plant fed by substations situated at Orapa for 90 MW and the Mmashoro area for 160 MW.

He explained that the manufacturing of two 45 MW turbines was already in progress and it was hoped that the plant will begin to make a contribution by August 2010 using liquid fuels.

President Khama said there were other long term measures to exploit Botswana's abundant coal resources including the planned construction of a 1200 MW power station at Mmabula. He said progress at this project has been modest due to protracted negotiations with off takers.

Khama said the provision of electricity will remain under stress until the ongoing Phase 1 expansion of Morupule Power Station is completed in 2012, which will add 600 MW of power with another 600 MW to be added with Phase 2 of the project.

He explained that Morupule Power Station presently contributes only 120 MW of the 500 MW of the electricity this country consumes while the balance is being imported from South Africa and Mozambique.

Botswana receives 350 MW from South Africa, which will be reduced to 250 MW in December, added Gen Khama.